Lindsey Graham: ‘The idea that Russia did not meddle in our election is fake news’
Senator Lindsey Graham has declared, “The idea that Russia did not meddle in our election is fake news.”
The South Carolina lawmaker made the remark during an interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” Sunday when host Chuck Todd asked about President Trump’s forthcoming plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I’m concerned when the president tweets, you know, Russia denies they meddled in our election. When they say they didn’t meddle, they’re lying, so I’m glad the president is going to confront Putin,” Graham said. “Show him the evidence you got, Mr. President, because it’s overwhelming.”
RELATED: Senate Intelligence Committee's review of Russian election meddling
And when Todd pushed back with Trump’s seeming defense of Putin on social media, Lindsey stated: “In many ways this administration has been tough on Russia. We’ve armed the Ukraine, we’ve imposed sanctions, we’ve kicked out diplomats, but the idea that Russia did not meddle in our election is fake news. They did meddle in our election and they’re doing it again in 2018.”
This exchange comes just days after the president tweeted: “Russia continues to say they had nothing to do with Meddling in our Election! Where is the DNC Server, and why didn’t Shady James Comey and the now disgraced FBI agents take and closely examine it? Why isn’t Hillary/Russia being looked at? So many questions, so much corruption!”
And Trump brought up Hillary Clinton’s emails when asked about confronting Russia by Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo in a recent interview.
The president’s position has been controversial, especially since the U.S. intelligence committee has concluded that Russia did, in fact, try to interfere in the 2016 election.
However, national security adviser John Bolton has downplayed any reservations about the July 16 summit, saying, "I don’t think it’s unusual for President Trump and President Putin to meet.
Bolton has also indicated that Russia’s election meddling will likely be discussed, with an aim to stop any such activity during the 2018 midterm races.
